Tonight:
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Parents want justice for Meredith
Jack Lefley16 Jan 2009
THE parents of Meredith Kercher were in court today for the start of the trial.
Her father, John, and mother, Arline, made the emotional journey to Perugia determined to finally know the truth about their daughter's murder.
Meredith's parents, her brothers Lyle and John, and sister Stephanie, have spoken in the past about how her murder has devastated their lives.
At the time of her death Meredith's father, a freelance journalist, refused to believe claims that she had been involved in a fatal late-night tryst. He said: "Meredith was just not that sort of person. She would never have got involved in anything like that. It is still so difficult. I think I am dealing with it and then I see cards and pictures or I hear her name and it sets me off crying again."
Her family released a statement at the time paying tribute to her. It read: "She was one of the most beautiful, intelligent, witty, caring people you could wish to meet. Nothing was ever too much effort for her - a loving daughter and sister and a loyal friend.
"Meredith touched the lives of everyone she met with her infectious, upbeat personality, smile and sense of humour. She was pursuing her dream and we can take some comfort in knowing that she left us at what was a very happy time in her life."
Meredith's family, of Couldson, Surrey, have already faced Amanda Knox at a hearing last September, the first time they had come face to face with her.
At that hearing, Knox kept her gaze fixed firmly ahead as a journalist shouted: "Did you do it, Amanda?" in the courtroom. After drifter Rudy Guede was convicted of murder, Mr Kercher declared: "Justice has been done."
